Executive Director of Donor Relations

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Executive Director of Donor Relations                                                                                               

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

Classification (FLSA): Exempt

REPORTS TO: Vice President for Advancement                                            

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Donor Relations is a key fundraising leader, providing strategic leadership in securing significant support for the college and helping drive fundraising growth through major gifts. The Director develops and implements a comprehensive major gifts strategy and partners with the President to grow and manage a portfolio of donors capable of contributing seven figures and above to the college. He serves as an experienced specialist who builds enduring and ever-deepening interpersonal relationships with high-potential donors that empower them to fully engage in the mission of Christendom by making significant gifts that fulfill their interests and passions. The Director is responsible for guiding and coaching a dynamic donor relations team.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises four or more major gift officers (donor relations officers).
• Supervises prospect manager, mid-level giving officer(s), and planned giving team.

CHIEF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Presidential Lead Gift Support (30%)
  • Plan and help coordinate the President’s major gift work to identify, cultivate, and steward individuals with the capacity and inclination to give high seven-figure gifts to the college.
  • Set up, coordinate, and attend where necessary all donor meetings with the President.
  • Set agenda and lead regular portfolio review meetings with the President.
• Lead Gift Portfolio Management (50%)
  • Build and maintain a dynamic portfolio of 60-80 high-net-worth individuals capable of seven-figure gifts and secure major, capital, and planned gifts, as well as advanced annual gifts and endowment support.
  • Create individual goals and a cultivation plan for each donor on the caseload, ensuring that each donor is asked at the right time for the right amount for the right purpose that fulfills their desired impact.
• Major Gift Management (20%)
  • Set Advancement’s major gift strategy and provide insight to the Advancement Strategy Team.
  • Provide regular updates to the President and VP for Advancement regarding major gift solicitations and moves management strategies.
  • Train, coach, and supervise a team of high performing donor relations officers, mid-level giving officers, and planned giving officers, ensuring that they receive adequate direction and oversight to maximize their individual potential, promote their well-being and job satisfaction, and ensure that they are making the highest possible contribution to the team in their designated role.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• This position must be held by an individual who is an active, practicing Catholic who is committed to the Church’s mission on earth.
• Must have 10+ years of experience in managing personal relationships, preferably in the context of a Catholic apostolate.
• Must have excellent verbal communication.
• Must have excellent writing and editing abilities.
• Must be proficient in using MS Office programs.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends to speak with and meet with donors and attend events.
• Must be willing to travel, including regular flights multiple times per year and driving to various locations.
• Must have a college degree, preferably from a faithful Catholic college.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL / EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work for prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods, including over the course of events.
• Speak to large crowds.
• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Make quick decisions.
• Appropriately balance urgent and important tasks.
• Be calm in stressful situations.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time for the needs of the College, but a discussion between the employee and supervisor will take place prior to the change.